GNC Engineer, Navigation and Orbit Determination (Starlink)

GNC ENGINEER, NAVIGATION AND ORBIT DETERMINATION (STARLINK)

Atmospheric density is one of the largest sources of uncertainty when predicting the future state of satellites in low Earth orbit, which has a direct impact on space safety. With thousands of satellites providing global coverage, flight data from Starlink satellites provides a unique opportunity to advance the state-of-the-art in atmospheric modeling. SpaceX is hiring exceptional candidates with a background in navigation/orbit-determination or atmospheric sciences to develop the most advanced models to estimate the state of the atmosphere in real time and improve orbit predictions.

This is an unparalleled opportunity to work with data from the largest satellite constellation ever flown while directly contributing to safe and sustainable operations in low Earth orbit. Successful candidates will see their work transition from the formulation stage to flying on thousands of satellites in a short period of time, facing rare challenges that can only be found through years-worth of space flight. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop a real-time data-assimilation pipeline to calibrate atmospheric density models by processing satellite tracking data, and advance space-weather forecasting using empirical techniques and multiple measurement sources.
• Implement and maintain an operational density model that directly contributes to improving prediction accuracy and covariance realism in low Earth orbit subject to the uncertainty in atmospheric density.
• Formulate, implement, deploy, and operate navigation algorithms and high-fidelity physical models to run onboard the satellites.
• Work closely with the Starlink collision-avoidance team to improve space safety through precise and reliable orbit predictions.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering, or physics.
• Software development experience in either C++ or Python.
• 2+ years of professional experience with navigation or orbit determination (internship or research experience applies).

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• PhD in aerospace engineering with applications supporting orbit determination, navigation, or orbit propagation methods.
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, perturbations, and numerical propagation techniques.
• Implemented, tested, tuned, and operated Kalman filters in real-world applications.
• Demonstrable experience with empirical and physics-based atmospheric density models; understanding of each model’s advantages and limitations from the perspective of orbit propagation accuracy.
• Experience with space-weather input drivers, forecasts, indicators of solar activity, and geomagnetic storms.
• Developed data-assimilation systems for calibrating atmospheric density models using satellite tracking data.
• Processed large volumes of data to solve high-dimensional estimation problems.
• Worked with real data from GNSS receivers or other radio-navigation signals.
• Experience with aerodynamic modeling of the effective drag area of a satellite.
• Familiarity with covariance analysis, covariance realism, consider parameters, uncertainty quantification, and process noise.
• Developed, debugged, and deployed software that has been used in real-world applications or projects. Experience with the version control system git.
• Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction.
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    
    
Pay range:    
GNC Engineer/Level I: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year    
GNC Engineer/Level II: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00/per year    
    
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k)-retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.